Silver fillings are widely used in dental treatment - they offer great financial benefits as they are covered by insurance, but there are also many concerns about their appearance and the risk of metal allergies.

And most importantly, dental materials used under insurance coverage have the disadvantage of increasing the possibility of cavity recurrence. In this article, we will introduce the overview and causes of cavity recurrence (secondary caries) and how to prevent it.

Overview and causes of secondary caries

When cavity-causing bacteria get into the gaps in the fillings or caps used to treat cavities and the tooth becomes decayed again, this is called "secondary caries."

There are many causes, but the main one is the deterioration of fillings and caps. In particular, materials covered by insurance (such as plastic materials) tend to deteriorate and are said to be more likely to develop secondary caries.

Other causes include the deterioration of the cement used to attach artificial teeth, and poor treatment precision that can cause gaps between the filling and the tooth. The latter is caused by a lack of dental skills on the part of dentists and a lack of cooperation with dental technicians.

The probability of tooth decay recurring due to secondary caries is 80%!

So how many people actually develop secondary caries?

Sweden is considered a dental pioneer in the world. According to a study conducted by Dr. Axelsson of the Department of Preventive Dentistry at the University of Gothenburg, Sweden, 30% of the cavities a person develops over a 80-year period are secondary caries.

Furthermore, damage always remains in teeth that have undergone repeated dental treatment. This often shortens the lifespan of the teeth. In that sense, secondary caries is a condition that should be avoided.

When dealing with teeth that have fillings or caps, you need to be aware that there will be gaps between the tooth and the material, and use your toothbrush more carefully.

Self-care and professional care are important for preventing secondary caries

So what measures can be taken to prevent secondary caries?

In fact, you don't need to do anything special. Basically, you just need to brush your teeth every day. In addition, it's important to go to the dentist for regular checkups to make sure there are no problems with your mouth.

For those who want to take a more reliable approach to prevention, there is also the option of replacing metal or plastic fillings and caps with ceramics (pottery). Ceramics are durable and stain-resistant, making them ideal for preventing secondary caries. Although this is a private treatment, we recommend treatment using ceramics, etc., as dental technicians take time and effort to carefully create them.

Summary

Regular dental checkups are effective for early detection and treatment of secondary caries. If you want to maintain a healthy oral environment, make it a habit to visit the dentist regularly.